Young Enterprise ‘Learn to Earn’ Day Programme

Background

On 26th March, I had the privilege of volunteering at De Lacy Academy in Knottingley as part of the Young Enterprise 'Learn to Earn' Day Programme. This initiative aims to motivate students by encouraging them to consider financial plans for the future, set goals, and think about their future study options.

Approach

Working alongside a team of professionals and entrepreneurs, each bringing valuable insights from their respective careers, aided their learning experience. As a former participant in Young Enterprise, I shared my journey and the programme's impact on my personal and professional development.

Analysis Performed

During the day, we worked with over 150 Year 8 students, guiding them through various interactive activities designed to enhance their understanding of career planning and financial literacy. The key areas we focused on included:

• Understanding Success: The discussion centred around defining personal success, setting achievable goals for their future plans.
• Budgeting: Students learned how to plan and manage finances effectively to support their desired lifestyles.
• Talent types: We explored different talent types: Active, Outgoing, Creative & Technical, discussing with the students the corresponding career paths.
• Salaries: We explored actual entry level positions and salaries to ensure they had a realistic view of what the working world was like.

We also spent time with the students addressing the rapidly evolving employment landscape, emphasizing the importance of adaptability and transferable skills in the context of globalisation, AI, automation, and data. Students were encouraged to pursue their passions while preparing for and being aware of emerging opportunities.

Conclusions

The 'Learn to Earn' Day Programme effectively equips students with practical knowledge and skills essential for their future careers. Engaging with professionals provides them with real-world perspectives, enhancing their readiness for the dynamic job market.

Recommendations

I highly recommend that professionals consider volunteering with initiatives like Young Enterprise. Contributing your time and expertise can significantly influence young people's career aspirations and preparedness.

Get Involved

If you're interested in getting involved, please contact Young Enterprise through their official channels.